Community forum in Coffs aims to open minds for a better future

Parents, carers, teachers and young people on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales are invited to a special community forum with pre-eminent youth mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry on Friday, 18 November from 6pm.

Professor McGorry will lead the discussion on strengthening the mental health of young people at Coffs Harbour Education Campus, Theatre D, Hogbin Drive.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for parents or carers and others to learn about supporting the mental health of young people,” said Carolyn Heise - Services Manager, Mission Australia, who will moderate the day time forum for students, organised by Headspace Mid North Coast and the Youth Suicide Prevention Committee.

Professor McGorry will start the day sharing breakfast with staff and young residents at Mission Australia’s Coffs Harbour Youth Rehabilitation Service.

Opened this year, this service provides holistic residential rehabilitation for young people who have entered, or are at risk of entering, the Juvenile Justice System and whose use of alcohol and other drugs has placed them at risk.

Evening forum guests are invited to a free sausage sizzle, starting at 5pm on Friday outside Theatre D.

For more information about the ‘Opening minds for a better future’ community discussion forum visit Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, or contact Jesse at j.taylor@hmnc.com.au

Further reading
Earlier this year Professor McGorry launched Triple Care Farm: A safe place for change 1989-2009, a Mission Australia report that called for more residential drug and alcohol rehab services for young people and better complementary mental health care.